The following news release was issued by the City of Hamilton at 13:02EST today by Kelly Anderson, Public Affairs Coordinator, Public Works Department

HAMILTON, ON –** January 13, 2012** – The City of Hamilton remains hopeful that a negotiated settlement can be reached at the bargaining table with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 107 which represents HSR bus operators, mechanics and other transit workers. The Disabled and Aged Regional Transportation System (DARTS), the accessible transit service provider for the City, is not part of ATU.

The two parties have been bargaining for several months and a provincially appointed conciliation officer met with both parties on January 3rd, 2012. Today, the Ontario Minister of Labour has released what is commonly referred to as a ‘no-board’ report. The issuance of this notice starts the timelines for a legal strike or lockout that is permitted upon the 17th day from the date of its issue. This means that the parties will be in a legal strike/lockout position at 12:01 a.m. on January 30th.

“We are scheduled to meet with the union again on January 24th and remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached,” said Gerry Davis, General Manager of Public Works.

Regular updates will be provided as negotiations continue and details about service impacts will be communicated extensively before a potential labour disruption occurs.